The Origin Story

The Beginning of Oat & Thistle

As the world slowed down in 2020, I found myself doing the same. In the stillness, I connected with a part of myself I hadn’t truly met before, and with that, I discovered a profound passion for creating handmade products. Each new idea and successful creation became a source of healing for my heart and inner child. What started as a personal journey of discovery soon blossomed into something I wanted to share. Encouraged by warm reviews from family and friends, I realised I could offer not just products, but also love, self-care, and healing to others.

A Conscious Path

Creating my own products gave me full responsibility over every ingredient, and it quickly became a priority to choose consciously. As I delved deeper into research, I uncovered the stark realities of many commonly used ingredients and felt a duty to make better choices. This learning process didn’t just shape my products; it shaped the values of Oat & Thistle. It became my mission to provide high-quality, natural, and skin-loving creations while also raising awareness about the overlooked truths of our fast-paced world.

Learning Through Challenges

The journey was far from easy. Hours of research revealed a wealth of knowledge and countless hurdles I hadn’t anticipated. Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow, and I tackled them one by one, making slow but meaningful progress. Although my curiosity led me to explore a variety of products, I continually returned to where it all began: traditional cold-process soaps. The artistry, science, and history of soapmaking captivated me, and I decided to focus on this craft as the foundation of my brand.

My love for art and photography found a new outlet in the world of natural colours, shades, and hues that could be explored through soapmaking. I also embraced the challenge of working exclusively with essential oils, leaving behind the familiar, synthetic fragrances and discovering the beauty of natural scents like cedarwood, lemongrass, and patchouli.

The Origin Collection

Bringing the Origin Collection to life was a labour of love. It involved countless trials, errors, and a seemingly endless amount of testing. At times, the process felt overwhelming, but perseverance and patience revealed the bigger picture, piece by piece. When the formulas were finally perfected, I turned my focus to ensuring every detail reflected my values, from ingredient selection to packaging design.

Sustainability was central to every choice I made. Each soap in the Origin Collection is boxed in recyclable, reusable, and compostable materials, ensuring that the products not only nourish the skin but also honour the planet. This commitment to mindful creation extended to the legal compliances and fine details, which I meticulously addressed to ensure everything was done properly.

On August 19th, 2023, Oat & Thistle officially launched at Carradale’s annual Harbour Day event — a small but heartfelt beginning in a village close to my heart. The Origin Collection represents more than just products; it embodies the essence of Oat & Thistle and the start of a journey I’m so proud to share with you.